From Lois' Hands

Sunday, October 6, 2024

Port of Galveston, Texas, and Memories of Delta Queen

Good morning,

Here's an image of the Port of Galveston from the port side of Mariner of the Seas. Of course, the expansive cruise terminal is on the other side of Mariner. We sailed out of Galveston regularly many years ago when Kjell was Chief Engineer aboard Freedom of the Seas. We loved the people at this port.

Galveston is one of the ports shut down during the dock workers strike that started October 1. We understand passenger ships/ cruise travel will not be impacted by the strike.

An interesting side note: I took my Dad on a cruise on the Delta Queen from Cincinnati to Pittsburgh for his 80th birthday back in 1984. The Delta Queen was both a passenger vessel and a US Post Office. Either of those designations gave her priority over other vessels going through locks, etc. It was interesting to sit on the deck and watch as we passed numerous barges while going through locks. Even at 3 AM, the calliope player climbed up on the back of the ship to play, all ship lights were on, and local residents lined the dock to watch the Delta Queen pass through. I understand the local papers published the ship's schedule so residents wouldn't miss it passing. It was a different time....

Due to bad weather, we didn't make it all the way to Pittsburgh on that trip, but we had another great experience. As the bad weather set in, the captain pulled the Delta Queen to the southern side of the channel and we tied up to large trees hanging over the riverbank. It was dark outside, just after dinner, and passengers were dressed up (those were the days!) and on the deck watching. The Delta Queen was all aglow with lights on all decks. A young boy about ten years old came down the river bank, eyes wide, and all excited. One of the passengers called to him, "Go tell you Mom you have guests for dinner!" The young boy ran back up the hill and disappeared. Of course, no one left the ship, but what a memory it must be for that young boy as well as for us.

Sadly, the Delta Queen is no longer in service. It will take another act of congress to get her back on the water and that is unlikely to happen, but is still a dream.

Such good memories, though....

Our Delta Queen has had an extensive, fascinating life. Those interested in a more complete history of the Delta Queen can find it here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delta_Queen

Lois

Saturday, October 5, 2024

Needlework and Wood Working Update - October, 2024

Good morning,

Welcome to this month's Needlework and Wood Working Update where we pull together images of all of the items we have completed in Kjell's Wood Workshop and my Needlework Studio since the last update.

Above is a truly one-of-a-kind Flying Eagle Jewelry Box that Kjell has designed and made. Be sure to take a look at the listing that includes video to see all of the interior shelves and a surprise secret compartment in the bottom. $145. Lots of images and video here.

The Whisper Pink flowers are blooming on this lovely new Large Afghan Blanket. Such a lovely gift for yourself or some other special person. $185. Only one here.

Our Toilet Tissue Toppers are a popular item for yourself or to take along to your host. The Christmas Colors are a fun, easy way to decorate for the season. This one is here. This one and many more colors are available for $8 each.

This Royal Blue and White Tissue Topper is here. $8. School colors for a dorm room? Hanukkah decoration? Add a red ribbon for Patriotic Holidays.

Amethyst Topper with a Lavender Ribbon here. $8.

Gray with a Black Satin Ribbon. $8.

Here's a cloche hat that will keep your head warm on a cold winter's night (or day!) This also is a great Secret Santa or Christmas Stocking gift. $8.

As soon as I listed a set of cherry red set of Luggage Identifiers last month, they were sold. So, I made another set of six and they are here. $5. When looking for your luggage at the airport or cruise terminal, these are priceless!

Here's another great stocking stuffer! This mohair-type washable acrylic yarn poncho and hat set for your favorite little girl's fashion doll is only $8. Here are more images and information.

As you shop for yourself and others for the holidays, we hope you'll take a cyber stroll through our shop, Evensens Productions. Combine orders from our shop, to save on shipping. Free shipping on orders of $200 or more to your USA address. No coupon needed.

Thank you. We sincerely appreciate your comments, likes, shares, pins, favorites, and purchases, too!

Until next month, all the very best,

Lois